NMSU Professor Publishes Book about Extension Education

Date: Jan. 24, 1997
Editor: D'Lyn Ford  (505) 646-6528, dlford@nmsu.edu

LAS CRUCES -- "Education Through Cooperative Extension," the only current and complete text about Extension education, was written in part by Brenda Seevers, a New Mexico State University agricultural and Extension education assistant professor. The book, recently published by Delmar Publishers, became available Jan. 20.

The book reviews the operations, structure and programs of the Cooperative Extension Service, touching upon every aspect of the world's largest non-formal education program.

The text is suitable for either undergraduate or graduate courses and new Extension agent orientation. The book also provides background material for international students and new employees unfamiliar with the Extension program, Seevers said.

Seevers was joined in the two and one-half year project by Donna Graham, associate professor of agricultural and Extension education at the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville; Julia Gamon, professor of agricultural education and studies at Iowa State University; and Nikki Conklin, a member of the Extension Resources Team in Staff Development at The Ohio State University. Seevers acted as a liaison between the authors.

The book was developed from the authors' mutual interest in providing a useful, practical and accessible text suited for Extension education.

"None of us had ever written a book before," Seevers said. "We decided we would go for it."

Seevers wrote four chapters of the text, focussing on the organization, structure and administration for Extension programs; the teaching-learning process; management of volunteer programs; and Extension's future.

Seevers joined NMSU in 1991. She won the National Association of College Teachers of Agriculture Award in 1994 and the Rousch Award, a university teaching award, in 1995.

A preview copy of the book, as part of a 30-day trial offer, is currently available through Delmar Publishing Company by calling 1-800-824-5179. To order directly, call 1-800-354-9706. The cost is $36 plus shipping and handling.